Are fiber optic sensors immune to electrical interference?

The performance benefits of fiber optic sensors help carve their place in industrial automation. Users often wonder if they can avoid all electrical interference. This article will explore this question by discussing the specifics of LUOSHIDA’s fiber optic sensors.

The Working Principle of Fiber Optic Sensors: Why Electrical Interference is not an Issue

Discerning the functionality of Fiber Optic Sensors is crucial in understanding their ability to sidestep electrical interference. Fiber Optic Sensors are different from inductive, capacitive, and photoelectric sensors because they do not rely on electrical signals. LUOSHIDA’s Fiber Optic Sensors focus on the optical side of targets. Sensors determine and detect targets by varying light intensity, measuring the phase of light, and shifting wavelength.

Because optical signals aren't influenced by electromagnetic fields, the core transmission medium, in this case, optical fiber, does not carry any electricity. Thus, regardless of the EM interference caused by strong motors, high-voltage equipment, or even radio frequency sources, light signals in the fiber are stable. Unlike electrical sensors which are prone to signal distortion, false triggering, or reduction in accuracy caused by EM interference, LUOSHIDA's Fiber Optic Sensors are not affected by any electrical circuits, enabling reliable performance in detection.

LUOSHIDA Fiber Optic Sensors: Exceptional Professional Design featuring Enhanced anti-interference capabilities.

Having spent 12 years as an OEM/ODM in the sector, LUOSHIDA's Fiber Optic Sensors have offered the sensor industry refined optical design anti-interference performance as a result of design and testing. Their sensors not only exploit the anti-interference characteristics of optical transmission, but also the stability of industrial harsh environments.

To start, LUOSHIDA’s Fiber Optic Sensors meet the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU. This has been verified by authoritative testing done by Dongguan Wode Testing Co., Ltd. This certification proves that the sensors function properly, do not emit excessive electromagnetic interference, and can endure the effects of external EMI. Moreover, the sensors small and lightweight design enable flexible installation in confined areas while reducing the need to shield against interference. Another major benefit is their high sensitivity, meaning that the chance interference affects the detection results is minimized, even when only weak changes to the optical signals occur.

Furthermore, LUOSHIDA’s Fiber Optic Sensors offer customized solutions. In the case of extreme EMI (for instance, in industrial environments with high-power electrical equipment), the sensors can be modified to increase shield and optical path customization to offer specific application targeted anti-interference solutions.

Practical application scenarios: High Interference Areas

LUOSHIDA’s Fiber Optic Sensors have anti-interference capabilities, which means they can be used across many high-interference industrial scenarios. In automation industrial manufacturing, they can work alongside welding stations and powerful motors safely, as they can detect positions or statuses of assemblies without being disrupted by electrical noise. In the energy sector, they monitor mechanical and fluid level as they work within power distribution rooms or renewable energy facilities and high voltage equipment. This ensures no disruption as they maintain the electromagnetic fields.

LUOSHIDA’s Fiber Optic Sensors work excellently in the transport and healthcare industries. For instance, in automotive manufacturing, they detect small components in electrical filled environments and in medical devices, non-electrical signal transmission is essential for patient safety as medical devices must not be disrupted.

Usage Precautions: Getting the Most Out of the Fiber Optic Sensors Anti-Interference

Fiber Optic Sensors are extremely reliable and will not need electrical interference; however, their reliability will be boosted even more with proper use and installation. LUOSHIDA gives the following recommendations.

Use the installation manual step-by-step to avoid damaging the sensor and optical fiber, which will then impact the effectiveness of the signal.

Adjust the switching distance with the VR knob to fine-tune sensor distance to the detection of an object. With a special material, color, or size the sensor will detect the object to avoid other environmental factors, (which are tied to performance, but not electrical interference).

Make sure to use the proper NPN/PNP output function selection when joining Fiber Optic Sensors with LUOSHIDA fiber amplifiers, for example, LSD-AAAA Series optical amplifiers to join with control systems to avoid signal mismatch which can be mistaken for interference.

If LUOSHIDA customers need other tailored optical fiber detection, shields or other special detection algorithms for extreme EMI environments, customers should reach out to LUOSHIDA technical support first.

Conclusion: Fiber Optic Sensors—The Best Option Against Electrical Interference

To conclude, Fiber Optic Sensors are not completely "confused" to any type of interference (like physical damage to the optical fibers or extreme environmental light conditions), but they are certainly "not vulnerable" to electrical interference. Given the signal transmission method, they are a good, if not the best, "defensive" solution to the problem. LUOSHIDA Fiber Optic Sensors are engineered to maximize benefits and minimize drawbacks and are certified to high standards of quality sensitivity with the additional option of customizations. Therefore, LUOSHIDA Fiber Optics are completely stable and reliable detection solutions in the domains of industry automation, energy and power, transportation, healthcare, and many more.

To all those looking to get rid of old conventional sensors with electrical interference or a reliable detection solution in a high-interference environment, LUOSHIDA Fiber Optic Sensors are the safest recommendation based on 12 + years of manufacturing, free samples, 3 days delivery, 2 year warranty, and a reliable guarantee built on 12 years of manufacturing experience.